September

Confusion over arrangements meant that there was no speaker for the evening at Berwyn Belles Llangynog WI, however, the Reverend Christine Browne, Guardian at St Melangell’s Shrine Church, very kindly stepped in at the last minute to save the day or rather, the evening.

One of the first women to be ordained in the Church of England, Christine encountered a certain amount of opposition from her first parishioners, who found the idea of a woman priest rather difficult and for four years she was referred to as Father Christopher!

Chris brought along a selection of artefacts, each with a fascinating anecdote or story. This print of a portrait of St. Melangell was of particular interest.

St Melangell the patron saint of hares and rabbits

This wonderful new portrait of the saint, by professional artist Stephen Hopper, was unveiled in earlier this year.

Christine served as vicar at a number of churches over the years and later, armed with experience, she spent a number of years as a prison chaplain, widening her understanding of human nature and realising the need to always listen with an open mind.

What a really interesting, informative and humorous talk!

Members stayed chatting about the thought-provoking talk over a very tasty supper.